What happens when you say Goodbye?
Every pet is different, and every human too. Your pet may love going to your own vet, and saying goodbye there with familiar faces might be your first choice. For others, vet visits can be a practical struggle or mean a stressful journey. Some people want to say goodbye at times of the day that are not possible for their own vets to accommodate, so that other family members have a chance to say goodbye too. Some owners love their vets and don’t want to be left with difficult memories each time they visit them with other pets in future. Saying goodbye is part of the grieving process, its a decision made when we know it’s already time and the loss already feels real. It is deeply personal, but for many, saying goodbye at home feels like the right choice.
Being at home, means you won’t feel rushed – this is your time to say goodbye and I’ll do this at the pace both you and your pet need. I will start by giving a sedative injection, which takes about 15-20min to work, giving us time to discuss the process and have a little quiet time. You are welcome to have dim lighting and music. Treats before saying goodbye are a firm favourite, especially the forbidden chocolatey ones! Sedation can make some dogs feel queasy, so if you give treats before our visit, try to keep portions small.
Sedation helps your pet to be sleepy and relaxed when I clip away some of their fur to place a catheter. This catheter is how I inject the euthanasia medication, and inserting it is the only time I’ll need good lighting. Once in, it means I can do the euthanasia injection with no more needles, your pet’s final moments are pain free and can be done with you holding them or stroking them.
The euthanasia drug is an anaesthetic overdose, your pet will fall asleep within a minute. Whilst fast asleep, their heart, lungs and organs will stop functioning. I will be listening to their heart and will let you know when they pass. After death, there can be some involuntary movements like passing of urine and faeces, it is helpful to have thick towels underneath them just in case. The entire process is painless and should not distress your pet.
The euthanasia process itself takes about 20-30min, but I find it often takes about 45-60min to not feel rushed, and to feel reassured that your last moments together are peaceful.
The next step is up to you too. If you would like, I can assist you to clip a lock or two of hair, or make a paw print. I work with specialist cremation companies that can collect your pet and arrange their cremation, with the return of their ashes if desired. You may choose to take your pet’s body to your own vet for cremation there, often a cheaper option. I am able to take your pet’s body to your own vet (within opening hours) if you prefer. Please see Cremation for more information.